Ombudsman Condemns Fugitive Ex-Lawmaker's Delay Tactics in Graft Case
The Office of the Ombudsman has strongly criticized what it calls "dilatory tactics" employed by fugitive former Ako-Bicol party-list representative Elizalde "Zaldy" Co, who recently filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking to halt government efforts to prosecute him over anomalous flood control projects. In a firm statement issued on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano emphasized that the agency will not be distracted by such maneuvers aimed at derailing the ongoing in-depth investigation into Co's alleged illegal and corrupt activities.
Supreme Court Petition and Legal Arguments
Co, who faces an arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan related to a P289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, reportedly submitted a petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court on January 25, 2026. This legal action targets Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, urging the High Court to issue a temporary restraining order against a resolution from November 14, 2025, that recommended filing charges against Co. The former lawmaker argues that the resolution lacks merit and should be declared null and void, claiming that Remulla acted hastily in pursuing corruption and malversation of public funds charges.
In his petition, Co asserts that his constitutional right to due process was violated, as he and his legal team were not properly informed of the charges and were denied access to relevant case documents. He also highlights the refusal of the Office of the Ombudsman to acknowledge a recommendation from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which found insufficient evidence to indict him, noting that he merely held "beneficial ownership" of Sunwest, the construction firm implicated in the anomalous projects.
Confusion Over Co's Whereabouts and Travel Claims
The petition was personally signed by Co before a notary public in Nacka, Stockholm, Sweden, on January 15, 2026, and later submitted to the Supreme Court by his lawyers. This development contradicts earlier claims by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who stated that Co was hiding in a gated community in Lisbon, Portugal. In a television interview, Remulla expressed surprise at reports of Co's appearance in Sweden, noting that the borderless nature of the European Union facilitates easy travel between countries.
Remulla speculated that land travel from Lisbon to Sweden could take approximately two days by car or a day and a half by train, adding, "We were surprised. Their place is a gated community, and it's easy to escape there, especially if you're hiding in a car." Co, however, insists in his petition that he did not flee the country, explaining that his travel abroad in July 2025 was authorized by the House of Representatives for medical leave. He further claims that he cannot return to the Philippines due to imminent threats to his life stemming from his alleged involvement in the flood control controversy.
The ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities of prosecuting high-profile corruption cases in the Philippines, with the Ombudsman vowing to remain focused on its investigation despite Co's efforts to delay proceedings through judicial appeals.
